by Elizabeth Gibbons Family First Prevention Services Act The newest budget includes a (potential) gem for child welfare legislation: an attempt to help reshape the foster care system and combat the effects of the opioid epidemic. The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPA) amends the funding structure of child welfare by allowing states to use
by Elizabeth Gibbons Oregon In Oregon, Senate Democrats have boosted the state’s child welfare program by $30 million in an attempt to reform the failing system. This budget increase follows public hearings held by democrats to question, and in some respects, shame child welfare agency bureaucrats into implementing improvements. This all comes on the back
by Elizabeth Gibbons Legislation on Amateur Sports On January 30, the Senate unanimously passed a bill to require governing bodies of amateur sports, the sports in which most minors participate, to report sexual abuse allegations to law enforcement within 24 hours. The bill stipulates new training to prevent misconduct, extends the statute of limitations for
by Elizabeth Gibbons Iowa The Iowa Department of Human Services is facing criticism after the high-profile deaths of two teenagers at the hands of their adoptive parents. The Department is now working to change their policies, procedures, and responses. The teenagers were formerly in the foster system and had contact with social service workers; in
by Elizabeth Gibbons Mississippi Lack of legal representation for parents creates unnecessary delays and hardships, hindering child welfare workers and keeping families apart. In Mississippi, 75% of parents who are financially challenged and involved in the child welfare system do not have legal counsel or representation, making it one of only two states not to